🇪🇸 Spain · Food
Ensalada Malagueña (Málaga-Style Salad)
By eatmundo · July 7, 2026
🇪🇸 ESEnsalada Malagueña is a refreshing and vibrant salad from Málaga, Andalusia. It combines tender boiled potatoes, flakes of desalted cod, juicy oranges, and a mix of olives, all dressed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette. This traditional dish is a perfect example of Mediterranean cuisine, balancing savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Wash 500g of small new potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
If using salted cod, ensure 200g is thoroughly desalted by soaking it in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water every 8-12 hours. Poach the desalted cod in simmering water for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Drain, let cool, then flake the cod, removing any skin or bones.
- 3
Prepare 2 large oranges by peeling them, ensuring all white pith is removed. Segment the oranges by cutting between the membranes, or simply slice them into rounds. Halve 50g of pitted black olives and 50g of pitted green olives. Thinly slice 2 spring onions.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
In a large serving bowl, gently combine the cooled potato pieces, flaked cod, orange segments (or slices), black and green olives, and sliced spring onions. Try to keep the orange segments intact for better presentation.
- 6
Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring all components are lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the potatoes or break up the cod too much.
- 7
For best flavor development, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled as a refreshing starter or light main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cod should I use for Ensalada Malagueña?+
Traditionally, desalted salted cod (bacalao desalado) is used for its distinct flavor and texture. If not available, you can use fresh cod, poached and flaked, but it may lack some of the traditional saltiness and chewiness.
How long does it take to desalt cod properly?+
Desalting typically takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cod. It requires soaking the cod in cold water and changing the water every 8-12 hours to gradually remove the excess salt.
Can I substitute the oranges with other citrus fruits?+
While oranges are traditional for their sweet and tangy notes that balance the cod and potatoes, you could experiment with grapefruit for a more bitter contrast, though it would alter the authentic profile.
How long can Ensalada Malagueña be stored?+
This salad is best enjoyed fresh within 1-2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, but the texture of the potatoes and oranges might soften over time.
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